Lenny and Scarlett novel Chapter 51
"Marlene likes me the most. I can persuade her by using all kinds of tactics. She's getting old, and I believe her objection to your parents' marriage has dissipated a lot. She just feels embarrassed to admit it openly and abruptly. While I get Marlene to agree to the wedding, you secretly arrange everything for the ceremony and the reception. We'll make it a big surprise for your parents. What do you think?"
Scarlet's eyes shone with excitement. She could imagine now how happy Nita would be that day.
Lenny looked into her eyes. They were so clear, as if they were a boundless ocean that reflected a beautiful star-blanketed sky. Staring at her, he felt a million butterflies in his stomach.
He couldn't help tightening his grip on the steering wheel.
After a long while, he nodded in agreement.
"I'll pick the wedding dress for her. I know her size. You just need to pay for it. Is that okay?"
"Sure."
"Very well. I'll inform you when there's any news. Thanks for the ride. Be careful driving back."
Then, she turned around and started walking away.
He called out to her. "Thank you, Scarlet."
Upon hearing what he said, she was stunned.
Did he just thank her?
She turned back around and immediately said, "Don't get me wrong. I'm doing this for your mother and grandmother. They have been very good to me this past year, and I'm very grateful to them. I'm just doing what I can to make them happy. You don't have to thank me."
Scarlet made herself clear before Lenny could get other ideas.
She wasn't doing this for his sake but as her way of thanking Nita and Marlene for their kindness.
Lenny's car window was open, and a gust of cold wind blew in. His face was serious, and his eyes were full of ice.
Without saying a word, he drove away.
Scarlet was stunned. Was he angry just now? Why would he be?
Where could he find such a good ex-wife like her? She not only gave his family great advice, but she also refused Nita's offer to avoid making things difficult for him and Rosaline.
The next day, when Scarlet was free, she went to visit Marlene. Scarlet shared meals with her, listened to music with her, and went shopping with her.
Marlene was tremendously happy.
After a week, Marlene finally asked the question that had been bothering her.
"Why have you been keeping me company these days, dear? Tell me what you're thinking about. Are you thinking about getting back together with Lenny?"
"No, it's not like that. I have nothing to do with him now."
"You cheeky little girl. You don't appreciate my kindness at all."
Marlene rolled her eyes.
"Grandma, it's about Lenny's mother."
"What about her?"
"Your relationship with her has been much better this past year. And you know that she wasn't in the wrong when she got together with your son. She didn't know that Jamal had a fiancee and that he was a runaway groom."
"So you mean it was Jamal's fault?"
"No, and I'm not condoning his decision to leave his fiancee before the wedding. But at that time, he just decided to follow his heart. He knew what he wanted. Marriage is an important lifelong commitment, and he wanted to take it seriously by exchanging vows with someone that he loved."
"So it's my fault then? It's my fault for deciding my son's future and forcing him to marry someone of my choosing?" Marlene snapped, a tad annoyed.
Scarlet immediately comforted her, "Grandma, do you love your husband?"
"Of course I do."
"Does he love you?"
"Well, he better. Otherwise, why did we even get married?"
"That's right. You and Grandpa got married because you two loved each other. Your son didn't love that woman, so he couldn't promise to live the rest of his life with her, even though his family and that woman's family had made the match well and had been good friends for years. If only he had been honest about it sooner, then he would've saved a lot of people from heartache and disappointment. You did nothing wrong, Grandma. As a mother, you only wanted what was best for your son. I understand. I really do. But you can't really blame Nita for being the love of Jamal's life, can you? I think she has suffered enough all these years for your son.
Grandma, one of the most important things for a family is to be able to live together in peace. Nita cares about Jamal just as much as you do. Why can't you two just get along? And Nita has been committed to the Foster family for many years. She has worked hard and given much of herself as Jamal's wife and Lenny's mother. I think she deserves a wedding with your son. What do you think?"
Scarlet tried to convince Marlene, and the old lady couldn't refute Scarlet's airtight logic.
Marlene also knew that Nita had done nothing wrong and that Jamal had made some poor decisions.
Marlene already had one foot in the grave. She thought that it was time to let go of all grudges now.
But she wouldn't let Nita get her dream wedding that easily.
"Fine. Jamal and Nita have my blessing."
"Really?"
Scarlet was so happy that she jumped up and down at once.
"But there's a condition."
Marlene's eyes glinted with cunning.
Scarlet waited for her to state her demand.
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